1. Motivation and Outreach Activities

March 14, 2006 M28, Part I, Chapter 3

1. Motivation and Outreach Activities

Introduction

/ This topic contains information on motivation and outreach activities, including
·  purpose
·  initial motivational contact
·  forms
·  establishing future control
·  priorities
·  specialized efforts, and
·  measurement of effectiveness.

Change Date

/ March 14, 2006

a. Purpose of Motivational and Outreach

/ Motivation and outreach activities are designed to ensure that veterans
·  with potential eligibility for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) benefits and services are made aware of program services
·  have sufficient understanding to make an informed choice as to whether to apply for rehabilitation and related services, and
·  who initiate an application maintain progress toward rehabilitation throughout the process.

b. Initial Motivation Contact

/ The Veteran Service Center (VSC) informs veterans of the availability and purpose of vocational rehabilitation when VSC completes processing of an original or reopened claim that results in an
·  initial service-connected (SC) disability rating of 10 percent or greater, or
·  increased combined SC disability rating of 20 percent or greater.

c. Forms Sent to Potential Applicants

/ The VSC sends
·  VA Form 28-1900, Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation, and
·  VA Form 28-8890, Important Information about Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits
to veterans when there is potential eligibility for VR&E benefits following authorization of the award for initial or increased SC disability compensation.

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1. Motivation and Outreach Activities, Continued

d. Establishing Future Control for Veteran Motivational Contact

/ After notifying veterans of potential eligibility for VR&E benefits and services, VSC establishes a 30-day future control for a subsequent motivational contact under control code 707.
Veterans who have not filed a VA Form 28-1900 will be reflected on the WIPP (W50) screen under control code 707. VR&E will conduct additional motivation and outreach activities to veterans who have not filed a VA Form 28-1900 within the 30-day control period.
Note: If a completed VA Form 28-1900 is submitted prior to the control date, PCLR control code 707.

e. Priorities

/ Motivation and outreach efforts should be intensified for veterans who are seriously disabled and most likely to benefit from services available under Chapter 31.
If the veteran does not complete and return VA Form 28-1900 within 30 days and the VR&E Officer determines that the individual can benefit from VR&E services, take the following actions.
If / Then
the veteran has a service-connected disability of 50% or more / ·  send motivation letter and include
- VA Form 28-1900, Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation, and
- VA Form 28-8890, Important Information about Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits, and
·  PCLR the control code 707.
Note: If resources allow, follow-up with telephone or personal contact.
the veteran has a service-connected disability of 20%-40% / ·  send motivation letter and include
- VA Form 28-1900, Disabled Veterans Application for Vocational Rehabilitation, and
- VA Form 28-8890, Important Information about Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits, and
·  PCLR the control code 707.

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1. Motivation and Outreach Activities, Continued

f. Specialized Outreach Efforts

/ Specialized outreach efforts are required for
·  transitioning servicemembers, and
·  hospitalized servicemembers and veterans.
Note: Additional information regarding the Disabled Transition Assistance Program for transitioning servicemembers can be found in M28.Part VI.subpart iv.1. and at http://www.dodtransportal.dod.mil/dav/lsnmedia/LSN/dodtransportal/.

g. Measurement of Motivation/ Outreach Effectiveness

/ VR&E Divisions are required to analyze the effectiveness of their motivation and outreach efforts. VR&E Officers or their designees are required to conduct a systematic analysis of operations (SAO) regarding motivation/outreach activities at least annually.
This analysis should include a review of
·  VSC’s compliance with required procedures for providing initial motivation materials when authorizing SC disability compensation awards
·  the effectiveness of motivation/outreach activities, and
·  whether the type of motivation contact is appropriate (For example: Are more intensive efforts being made with severely disabled veterans?).
Reference: For more information on conducting SAO’s on motivation/outreach see TBD.

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